Aged 108, Julia is a fast walker – and it’s all thanks to broccoli

Her mother ran a kosher grocery business in Sunderland, in the north-east of England, where Julia lived throughout her childhood.

Julia, who is the oldest Jewish Care resident, was – and still is – a talented musician. “She was a pianist up to concert level. She played in the care home recently on a few occasions,” said her daughter.

Julia Jackson with her family (Photo: courtesy)[Missing Credit]

Even throughout the First World War, Julia continued to study music at a school in Sunderland.

In her 20s, Julia moved to Temple Fortune, in north-west London, where she lived with her aunt, and started dating the man who would go on to become her husband – the lesser-known Michael Jackson.

By 1943, they were married at Finchley Synagogue – Kinloss – which, at the time, was “a quarter of its size”. Julia has belonged to the shul ever since and is the oldest member of a United Synagogue community.

Josephine recalled the amusement of her father sharing a celebrity’s name. “When I was younger, people used to call [our house], thinking he was [the singer],” she said.

During the Second World War, Julia worked as a secretary for the aircraft manufacturer Handley Page, in Cricklewood, signing the Official Secrets Act to maintain the war effort’s confidentiality.

[Missing Credit]Julia Jackson with her daughter, Josephine and son-in-law, Bruce Lewin (left),with Rabbi Dr Yoni Birnbaum, at Jewish Care's Rosetrees care home (Photo: United Synagogue/Jewish Care)

Michael owned a fruit shop in Temple Fortune at the time. “After that, like my grandfather, he became a jeweller,” said Josephine.

Later on, the couple moved to nearby Hampstead Garden Suburb, where they lived for 50 years.

Josephine explained that many of her mother’s memories from the 1920s and 1930s had been difficult to preserve. “She never retained anything. We asked her recently, but she doesn’t remember that time. I don’t think it was emotional or difficult for her. She met Daddy, came to London to stay with her aunt, [who lived] next to Daddy, married him, and doesn’t talk about the war very often,” she said.

Julia has two children – Josephine and her brother, Russell – four grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

At 100, Julia was still taking the bus and doing her own shopping. A family-wide gathering, spanning four generations, was held for her centenary.

Julia moved into Jewish Care’s Rosetrees residence aged 103, where she now spends her time relaxing and chatting with her fellow residents, said Josephine, adding: “She embraced the 2020s beautifully.”

And despite her advancing years, Julia is still surprisingly agile, said her daughter.

“When I walk with her down the corridor, I tell her: ‘Mummy, slow down; I can’t keep up with you.’ Her physical abilities are quite incredible.” What does her daughter think is Julia’s secret to such a long life? “Broccoli – and walking lots.”

Reaching such a significant milestone has led to a flurry of messages from community leaders.

One came from Saul Taylor, president of the United Synagogue, who said: “Mazel tov to Julia on your 108th birthday! From your marriage in the United Synagogue to your ongoing membership at Kinloss, you exemplify the long-lasting connection we have with our members. We wish you and your family health and happiness, and enjoy your special day.”

Rabbi Dr Yoni Birnbaum from Kinloss Shul with Julia (Photo: United Synagogue)[Missing Credit]

Rabbi Dr Yoni Birnbaum, senior rabbi at Finchley United Synagogue, who visited Julia ahead of her birthday, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to wish Julia a happy birthday on behalf of everyone at Kinloss Shul. Julia is remarkable and a real inspiration to us all.” 

Daniel Carmel-Brown, CEO, Jewish Care said: “We feel incredibly privileged to care for Julia, and celebrating her 108th birthday surrounded by her family, fellow residents, and the care team has created a truly special memory for everyone.”